Things We Never Got Over Summary, Characters, Quotes, and Book Club Questions

In today’s post, I will talk about “Things We Never Got Over” by Lucy Score. I plan to delve into several key aspects of this enthralling narrative. This will include a comprehensive summary of the book, character analysis , and thought-provoking book club questions.

Things We Never Got Over Summary

Lucy Score’s “Things We Never Got Over” is a captivating blend of romance, drama, and suspense set in the rugged town of Knockemout, Virginia. This first installment in the Knockemout series has garnered widespread acclaim, establishing itself as a must-read in contemporary romance.

At the heart of the story is Knox, a brooding barber with a tough exterior and a well-guarded soft spot. Content with his simple life and the companionship of his basset hound, Waylon, Knox’s world is upended by the arrival of Naomi, a runaway bride with a tumultuous past.

Naomi’s flight to Knockemout is more than just an escape from her impending nuptials; it’s a desperate attempt to save her wayward twin sister, Tina. However, Naomi’s noble intentions quickly backfire when Tina, true to form, cons her sister and disappears, leaving Naomi stranded and suddenly responsible for an 11-year-old niece she never knew existed.

Despite his aversion to complications, Knox finds himself inexorably drawn into Naomi’s chaotic orbit. His initial plan to offer temporary assistance evolves into a deeper involvement as Naomi’s troubles multiply and intensify, transforming from mere inconveniences to genuine threats.

As the stakes rise and danger looms, Knox is forced to confront his self-imposed emotional barriers. The story skillfully navigates the developing relationship between Knox and Naomi, set against a backdrop of small-town dynamics and escalating tension.

Score’s narrative is a masterful tapestry of humor, heat, and heart-pounding suspense. The author brings Knockemout to life with vivid characters and rich, atmospheric descriptions, creating a world that readers can’t help but get invested in. The chemistry between Knox and Naomi sizzles off the page, their banter sharp and engaging, while the underlying current of danger adds depth and urgency to their burgeoning romance.

“Things We Never Got Over” is more than just a love story; it’s an exploration of family, community, and the unexpected ways life can change course. Score’s ability to balance lighthearted moments with more serious themes creates a nuanced and satisfying read that lingers long after the final page.

Here is a YouTube short capturing the essence of Things We Never Got over

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Things We Never Got Over Characters

Here are the main characters and a few notable side character in Things We Never Got Over:

1. Knox – The male protagonist of the story, Knox is the quintessential ‘bad boy’ with a good heart. He’s a bearded barber who values solitude and simplicity in life. Knox is known for his aversion to drama and complications, preferring a peaceful and solitary existence. Despite his tough exterior, he displays depth, kindness, and a protective nature, especially when it comes to Naomi and her niece.
2. Naomi – The female lead, Naomi is portrayed as strong yet vulnerable. She arrives in Knockemout as a runaway bride, intending to save her estranged twin sister. Naomi’s life takes a dramatic turn when she finds herself abandoned by her twin, responsible for a niece she never knew, and without any resources. Her character embodies resilience, adaptability, and a caring nature.
3. Tina – Naomi’s twin sister and a significant character in the story, Tina is the polar opposite of Naomi. She is depicted as reckless, selfish, and untrustworthy. Her actions set the story in motion, leaving Naomi in a challenging situation.
4. The Niece – An 11-year-old girl who unexpectedly comes into Naomi’s care. She’s mature for her age, often appearing more like a thirty-year-old in her demeanor and understanding. Her character adds depth to Naomi’s life and plays a pivotal role in the developing relationship between Naomi and Knox.
5. Waylon – Knox’s loyal basset hound. Though not a human character, Waylon adds a charming element to the story, often providing comic relief and heartwarming moments. He is a symbol of Knox’s softer side.

For similar works, check out our Contemporary Romance section.

Things We Never Got Over Quotes

Here are some of the popular Things We Never Got Over quotes:

1. “There’s a difference between taking care of someone because you love them and taking care of someone because you want them to love you.” – Lucy Score, Things We Never Got Over

2. “Some people don’t know what to do with their pain,” Naomi said, looking out the window again. “So they take it out on whoever is nearby.”- Lucy Score, Things We Never Got Over

3. “You’re the one who has to live your life. Don’t apologize to other people for the decisions you make for yourself.”- Lucy Score, Things We Never Got Over

4. “At some point, you have got to stop worrying so much about what everyone else needs and start thinking about what you need.”- Lucy Score, Things We Never Got Over

5. “Baby, you need to stop obsessing about the things you should be doing and make some time for the shit you wanna do.”- Lucy Score, Things We Never Got Over

6. “But I did know that sometimes a bad seed was just a bad seed. No matter what field it was planted in, no matter how it was tended, some just came up rotten.”- Lucy Score, Things We Never Got Over

7. “When you trust someone to see you for who you really are, the betrayal is a thousand times worse than if you hadn’t handed them the weapons in the first place.”- Lucy Score, Things We Never Got Over

8. “You get to decide how you show up in this world. No one else gets to dictate to you who you are,”- Lucy Score, Things We Never Got Over

9. “This book is about the bravery it takes for us to love someone when we all know how every love story ends.”- Lucy Score, Things We Never Got Over

10. “Mistakes were meant to be learned from, overcome. They weren’t meant to destroy.”- Lucy Score, Things We Never Got Over

11. “You make broken things whole again. Me. You made me whole. And every time you smile at me, I feel like I hit the lottery again.”- Lucy Score, Things We Never Got Over

12. “I’d lost myself while trying to convince someone else that I was what he wanted. I’d forgotten who I was because I’d let someone else take over the definition.”- Lucy Score, Things We Never Got Over

13. “You’re telling me he’s a grumpy, overprotective hottie next-door and you’re not going to sleep with him? How wasteful.”- Lucy Score, Things We Never Got Over

Things We Never Got Over Book Club Questions

Here are some thought-provoking questions that can stir up an insightful conversation in your book club:

1. Character Analysis: How do the backgrounds and personalities of Knox and Naomi contribute to their relationship dynamics? Discuss the ways in which their past experiences shape their actions and decisions throughout the novel.
2. Themes of Resilience and Adaptation: In what ways does Naomi demonstrate resilience in the face of unexpected challenges? How does her character evolve from the beginning to the end of the story?
3. Role of Setting: How does the setting of Knockemout, Virginia, influence the plot and the characters? Discuss how the small-town atmosphere contributes to the story’s charm and challenges.
4. Contrast Between Twins: Tina and Naomi are twins with markedly different personalities. How does the author use their relationship to explore themes of family, identity, and betrayal?
5. The Role of Waylon: Discuss the role of Waylon, Knox’s basset hound, in the novel. How does he add to the development of Knox’s character and the overall story?
6. Romance and Realism: How does Lucy Score balance the elements of romance with realistic challenges faced by the characters? Does this balance add to the authenticity of the story?
7. Symbolism and Metaphors: Were there any symbols or metaphors that stood out to you in the book? How do they contribute to the deeper meanings of the story?
8. Character Development of Knox: Knox starts as a character who avoids drama and complications. How does his involvement with Naomi and her niece change him? Discuss the growth and development of his character.
9. Impact of the Past on Present: How do the pasts of Naomi and Knox influence their present actions and decisions? Discuss how the author uses their histories to drive the story forward.
10. Moral and Ethical Dilemmas: Were there any moral or ethical dilemmas faced by the characters that resonated with you? How would you have reacted in a similar situation?
11. Narrative Style and Pace: What did you think about Lucy Score’s narrative style and the pacing of the book? How did it affect your reading experience?
12. Predictions for the Series: Based on how “Things We Never Got Over” ended, what are your predictions or hopes for the next books in the Knockemout series?

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Final thoughts

This book, with its blend of romance, drama, and personal growth set against the backdrop of Knockemout, Virginia, offers more than just an engaging story. It serves as a mirror reflecting the nuances of human relationships, the resilience in the face of adversity, and the unexpected twists life can throw our way.